Each year, Laker Magazine conducts its Best of Smith Mountain Lake Awards where readers vote for their favorites in dozens of categories related to food, fun and business at SML. Voting has begun and we'd really appreciate your support!

We would LOVE it if you could take a few minutes and vote for Bridgewater Marina and Bridgewater Plaza in the categories below. You may vote every day through Nov. 5 and you DON’T have to vote in every category – just a few – to make your ballot count. (See more detailed instructions below.)

How to vote in 2018 Best of SML Awards

Create an account with your email address or log in to an existing account.

Click VOTE next to Bridgewater Marina in the categories of Best Marina, Best Place to Buy a Boat or PWC and Best Place to Buy and SML Souvenir. Write in Bridgewater Marina for Best Place to Buy Clothing Accessories.

That’s it! Note: There’s no “finish” button at the end. Every vote is logged when you complete each category.

You may vote ONE TIME PER DAY through Nov. 5, 2017. Thank you in advance. We really do appreciate it!

~ Ryan and the team at Bridgewater Marina

P.S. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for events, activities, news, sales and more happening at the marina and around Smith Mountain Lake!

Read More]]>ryan.waters@bwmarina.com (Ryan Waters)NewsFri, 08 Sep 2017 14:12:00 +0000Registration Now Open for Bridgewater Marina Fleet Vessel Salehttp://bwmarina.com/easyblog/entry/registration-now-open-for-bridgewater-marina-fleet-vessel-sale
http://bwmarina.com/easyblog/entry/registration-now-open-for-bridgewater-marina-fleet-vessel-saleWe will have 115 boats and personal watercraft available for purchase Sept. 9-10, 2017, at Bridgewater Marina at Smith Mountain Lake. This is an outstanding opportunity for individuals, dealers and entrepreneurs to purchase 1-year-old and 2-year-old, well-maintained vessels at considerably reduced prices.

Become an SML boat owner or upgrade your older vessel

Do you look forward to your Smith Mountain Lake boat rentals and jet ski rentals each year but dream of owning a vessel of your own? Or perhaps you own a boat that’s seen better days and are ready to upgrade – without breaking the bank.

Whether you call Smith Mountain Lake home or are a regular visitor here, having the freedom and flexibility to get out on the water whenever the urge strikes is a dream we’d all like to make reality.

Of course, finances don’t always allow for purchase of a new boat or PWC, and quality used boats and jet skis can be difficult to come by.

Luckily, Bridgewater Marina & Boat Rentals offers a program that could allow you to snag a quality, well-maintained boat or jet ski at a super budget-friendly price.

Smith Mountain Lake boat rentals vs. ownership

Once a year, Bridgewater Marina offers used boats and personal watercraft for sale to the public at prices significantly below market value via its fleet vessel sales program.

Think of it like the programs used by car rental companies where slightly older vehicles – while still in excellent shape – are sold to make way for new vehicles that renters prefer.

Why do we do this each year?

We’ve found Bridgewater Marina boat rental customers really want top-of-the-line watercraft, so we strive to replace the boats in our fleet every two years.

This provides an outstanding opportunity for individuals, dealers and entrepreneurs to purchase well-maintained vessels that are 1-2 years old at considerably reduced prices.

How can you buy these great used boats for sale in VA?

In mid-September each year, Bridgewater Marina sells approximately 80 used boats. Smith Mountain Lake vessels that will be available for purchase include pontoons, tritoons, wakeboard boats, ski boats, deck boats and personal watercraft.

If you think you may be interested in buying, click here to send an email to request your name be put on our waiting list. When the sale opens in September, we’ll send you an email and let you know what number you are on the list. (While there is a $1,000 deposit, it is refunded at 100% if you choose not to purchase.)

The first person on the list will have his or her pick of boats and then the next person, and so on. Obviously, being near the top of the list is what you want so even if you’re just thinking about buying, go ahead and add your name. There’s no obligation.

We use a no-haggle model where the price is non-negotiable. Of course, we do our due diligence to determine the boat’s value – and then price it well below that.

Remember, we’re interested in moving boats quickly to make way for new models the following year that our Smith Mountain Lake boat rental customers are asking for.

Rest easy knowing these boats are well maintained

When you buy through the Bridgewater Marina fleet vessel program, you’ll have peace of mind knowing all the boats and jet skis will have had scheduled maintenance and safety checks. In addition, service records are available and prospective buyers will have the opportunity to test drive vessels they’re interested in purchasing.

Details on each vessel, including options and pricing, will be available online via bwmarina.com during the sale period. On average, each will have approximately 180-200 hours on them.

These are all well-maintained boats. Anything that may have been an issue will have been identified and fixed. In addition to all scheduled maintenance, each boat will have been properly broken in, which is key when you purchase a new boat.

I addition, trailers will be available for purchase, upon request.

Have questions? Need addition info?

If you’re interested in learning more or if you want to put your name on the fleet vessel sales program waiting list, contact Bridgewater Marina at (540) 721-1639 or via email at bwmarina@bwmarina.com.

Bridgewater Sportswear

Shoppers will find a larger selection of Southern clothing brands at Bridgewater Sportswear, including Southern Tide, Southern Marsh and Fish Hippie. Also popular with adults and kids is the selection performance fishing apparel from Huk and Heybo, and the line of OluKai footwear.

Fun-N-Games Arcade

You'll find more than 60 games, from nostalgic to high tech, at Fun-N-Games, located on the middle level of Bridgewater Plaza. Whack N Win is the most popular new game of the summer so far. The favorite new prize (no surprise!) has been the fidget spinner. Did you know you can also throw a party at Fun-N-Games? Kids love it! Call 540-721-5959 for details.

Gifts Ahoy

This upper-level gift store has expanded its collection of SML souvenirs and added the Simply Southern brand of T-shirts, hats, sandals and shorts. You’ll also find Lilly Pulitzer, Vera Bradley, Spartina 449 and Simply Noelle merchandise. Don’t forget to stop by and sample the new flavors of homemade fudge –Watermelon and Orange Creamsicle. Yum!

Glazed Bisque-It

Paint parties are all the rage this year at Glazed Bisque-It on the upper level. Great for birthday parties, bridal showers, baby showers and more, just give the staff a call to set yours up. 540-400-2712. Of course, you can drop in daily from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. to create a ceramic masterpiece -- a great souvenir of memories made at Smith Mountain Lake!

Lake & Land Realty

Lake & Land, a full-service real estate company located on the upper level, recently added a new Facebook page to better serve customers looking for vacation rentals and long-term rentals at Smith Mountain Lake. Of course, if you’re interested in looking for a permanent home or vacation property at SML, the real estate professionals at Lake & Land are your go-to experts.

Lucky Duck

The football and basketball games at Lucky Duck – located on the midway at Bridgewater Plaza – have been revamped to give players a better chance at winning. Also new are self-serve candy machines with Pucker Powder and Whackies Crunchy Candy already big hits. Of course, the main attraction is the bungee trampoline and rock wall for climbing – tons of family fun!

Mango’s Bar & Grill

Mango’s, which offers lunch and dinner with a lake view, made off-season improvements to both the dining room and outdoor patio. The menu has been tweaked and draft beer is now available. The expanded music lineup includes a wide variety of live acts, including several that are nationally known. The calendar is always up to date online and tickets can be purchased online in advance, so make plans to join the fun!

Mexico Viejo Tequila Bar

Now open! Mexico Viejo Tequila Bar is located in the space formerly occupied by Chopsticks. The restaurant serves authentic Mexican food and fresh margaritas – all with a view of the lake. Check out the tequila bar and plentiful outdoor dining opportunities.

Pizza Pub

Always a fun spot to grab a bite to eat, Pizza Pub has expanded its outdoor space to accommodate approximately 25 more customers on the deck. The awning has been replaced to provide shelter from the sun and rain. A revamped menu features additional fresh, homemade Italian favorites.

SML Visitor Center

The Visitor Center is your spot to pick up magazines, brochures and other literature on things to do at Smith Mountain Lake. Chat with knowledgeable staff members and volunteers ready to answer all your SML questions. The Center is now open 7 days a week. The SML Regional Chamber of Commerce is also housed here. Check out their comprehensive business directory, calendar of events or read the newest version of the SML Visitor Guide online by clicking here.

Smith Mountain Wake Co.

Smith Mountain Wake Company has expanded its space significantly on the upper level of Bridgewater Plaza. New lines of wake surf gear and boards are now in stock, as well as a variety of items for dogs.

The Little Gallery - Fine Art Gallery and Home Furnishings Boutique

A long-time favorite for original art, jewelry, pottery, glass and more, The Little Gallery opened a second location recently to focus on home furnishings and accessories. Located on the upper level near the SML Visitor Center, the new store features vintage accent pieces, lighting, rugs and other home décor items. You’ll find the original gallery in its usual spot on the middle level near Pizza Pub.

If you're a Bridgewater Plaza business owner and would like your news added to this list, we'd love to hear from you! Email andie[at]thelakewriter.com.

Read More]]>andiegibson@gmail.com (Ryan Waters)NewsWed, 24 May 2017 17:56:30 +0000Feed the Fish for Make-A-Wish: Bridgewater Marina seeks to raise $10,000 for charityhttp://bwmarina.com/easyblog/entry/feed-the-fish-for-make-a-wish-bridgewater-marina
http://bwmarina.com/easyblog/entry/feed-the-fish-for-make-a-wish-bridgewater-marinaBridgewater Marina is excited to announce that we will donate 100 percent of popcorn sales in 2017 to Make-A-Wish of Greater Virginia. Our goal is to raise $10,000!

Kids have been feeding popcorn to the carp that gather around the docks at Bridgewater Marina for decades. For many a trip to Smith Mountain Lake just isn't the same without a stop at Bridgewater Plaza to feed the fish (sound familiar?).

The staff and I wanted to turn that fun Smith Mountain Lake tradition into a way to help a worthy charity that serves children. We’re calling it "Feed the Fish for Make-A-Wish."

Popcorn may be purchased daily at our main Bridgewater Plaza location for $1 per bag.

All proceeds will benefit Richmond-based Make-A-Wish of Greater Virginia whose mission is to grant the wish of every child diagnosed with a life-threatening medical condition. Examples include meeting celebrities, working a dream job and visiting a desired destination such as Disney World.

To help promote the program, we've installed new signage in the store and outside near the docks. We're also getting the word out via Facebook and Twitter and would greatly appreciate your likes, comments and shares.

Thanks to all who have purchased popcorn in the past and will continue to do so to support this very worth charity!

Where to rent a boat at Smith Mountain Lake

Many of our customers stay on Craddock Creek where there are many long-term and short-term vacation rentals at Smith Mountain Lake.

For those folks, being able to rent tritoons, jet skis, kayaks and paddleboards right at Mariners Landing is a huge convenience.

Halesford Harbour is also a handy place to rent a boat at Smith Mountain Lake since there’s a hotel, restaurant and RV park there. You’ll also find 24/7 gas pumps, propane and a marine store for all your boating necessities.

Locations and hours of operation

The main Bridgewater Marina location at Bridgewater Plaza is open-year round. Hours vary by season so be sure to check our Facebook page.

Voted on annually by readers, the awards are the highest vote of confidence for businesses and organizations at SML. Thank you to all who voted! We're thrilled to once again be your top choice for best SML marina.

Bridgewater Marina also earned the silver award for Best Place to Buy and SML Souvenir and honorable mentions for Best Place to Buy a Boat or PWC and Best Place to Buy a Gift.

You’ll be supporting SML businesses during the slower off-season. By shopping at local retailers at the holidays, you’re providing a boost to the businesses that spur our local economy and development. Keeping dollars local helps those who live in our community and are investing in its success.

You’ll get personal service from merchants who truly appreciate your business. Lake-area retailers understand your needs and are eager to help you find gifts that will put smiles on the faces of your loved ones this holiday season.

You’ll feel good supporting the businesses that invest in our community. Many, many lake-area merchants contribute financially to charitable causes throughout the year and organize special events that make SML such an awesome place to live.

You don’t have to drive to Roanoke, Lynchburg or beyond. Leave the traffic and crowds behind and plan a special shopping day locally with friends. Enjoy lunch at a Smith Mountain Lake restaurant and take advantage of holiday specials at retailers around the region.

Nov. 26 This holiday shopping event encourages shoppers to patronize small, local businesses specifically on the Saturday after Thanksgiving each year. Find out more about Small Business Saturday at Smith Mountain Lake by clicking here.

Read More]]>ryan.waters@bwmarina.com (Ryan Waters)NewsFri, 04 Nov 2016 12:35:04 +0000How to enjoy the hottest water toys at SML without spending a fortunehttp://bwmarina.com/easyblog/entry/how-to-enjoy-the-hottest-water-toys-at-sml-without-spending-a-fortune
http://bwmarina.com/easyblog/entry/how-to-enjoy-the-hottest-water-toys-at-sml-without-spending-a-fortuneWhen it comes to fun things to do at Smith Mountain Lake, it’s hard to beat the appeal of tubes, water carpets and other water toys.

But what if you’re just visiting SML and don’t really want to invest in one of these fun-in-the-sun products?

Bridgewater Marina has some water toy rentals available on a daily basis (with Smith Mountain Lake boat rentals), but we also offer a more inventive and economical way for you to test out different water toys.

It’s called the Bridgewater Marina Buyback Program.

If you, your family and friends want to enjoy tubes and water carpets short term without the commitment of long-term ownership, then this is the program for you!

Read on to find out more details on what has become a popular trend at Smith Mountain Lake.

How does the buyback program work?

The buyback program at Bridgewater Marina applies to all O’Brien water sports products (excluding wakeboards) that retail for $450 or higher.

Of course, the little ones can’t wait to get on the water to try out a variety of water sports, but you’re a bit hesitant. What if they can’t get up? What if frustration takes over and the outing ends in tears?

Being out on the water learning to kneeboard, ski or wakeboard can be exciting, but also challenging for kids.

We’ve all witnessed the disappointment that can come with not being able to get up and going behind the boat, even with the best instruction.

So how can you turn frustration into a fantastic water sports experience for you kids? It’s easier than you think!

Keep reading for my tips on easy ways to make sure your children have positive, giggle-filled outings on Smith Mountain Lake all summer long.

Try Tubing First

Tubing is a great way to introduce kids to the water and to water sports. There’s no pressure in being towed behind a boat on a giant, colorful inflatable – only hours of fun.

Yet, tubing is a fantastic first step toward getting your kids comfortable in the water and with the sensation of being towed.

If your child is timid about tubing, have them watch from the boat as others take their turns. Stay positive and make sure they see how much fun everyone is having.

If they’re still hesitant, offer to ride along with them! Most tubes accommodate at least two people. Your child will surely get a kick – and a jolt of confidence – out of seeing Mom or Dad tubing, too.

Graduate to the O’Brien Simple Trainer

Another great product that’s perfect for introducing kids to water sports at Smith Mountain Lake is the Simple Trainer from O’Brien.

An inflatable that’s soft and cushiony, the trainer will plane off with very little movement so you’re able to tow at a very slow speed. When not in motion, there’s a small perch at the back for sitting and resting.

Getting your little one up and going on the Simple Trainer practically guarantees a successful outing. The child puts her or her feet in comfortable stirrups and is towed in a standing position.

The Simple Trainer comes with two ropes – one for the child to hold and a tow rope for an adult to hold from the boat. The large, inflatable floor of the product means many of the bumps are absorbed for a smoother ride.

With the Simple Trainer, your little ones (up to 85 pounds) get the experience of “skiing” like the big kids or adults, without the pressure of actually having to pull themselves up in the water. When you’re done, it deflates for easy storage.

The Simple Trainer is available at Bridgewater Marina for $145.

Try the Multi-Purpose ZUP Board

Fairly new to the market, the ZUP board is an all-purpose water toy that’s gotten rave reviews from kids and parents for reducing the typical learning curve while providing a fun way to enjoy Smith Mountain Lake water sports.

The product’s developers came up with the name because their mission is that “everybody getZUP.” The board’s versatility allows for beginners to get up and having fun quickly, but also provides a thrill for more intermediate and advanced skiers (young and old alike).

Constructed of a thick, cushiony, molded plastic, the ZUP board resembles a kneeboard with an oval shape and soft top pad. Instead of a knee strap, however, there are two foot straps that double as place to rest your forearms and elbows when starting out on your stomach.

The rider grips two handles at the front of the board and then, once towing is underway, pulls himself up into a kneeling position. At that point, he can grasp the detachable double-handled rope and ride the ZUP as a kneeboard.

The second option is to move from kneeling to a standing position, utilizing the foot straps. The ZUP then offers more of a skiing/wakeboarding experience for riders.

The ideal speed for using the ZUP is 12-18 mph, but it’s important to start slowly and increase speed as the rider becomes more comfortable.

I’ve been teaching kids to ski, wakeboard, and kneeboard at SML for 20 years and the ZUP board is by far the best board for beginners I have used. My 4- and 5-year-old sons love their ZUP board. Before they were able to stand up on the board they were able to use it as a kneeboard, which kept them from feeling intimidated and gave them a good feel for being behind the boat. Every day when I get home from work they say, “Let’s ZUP, Dad!”

Bridgewater Marina sells the ZUP board ($299.99) so stop by if you have more questions or want to check it out.

If you need assistance with life jackets for children or adults, please ask one of the trained staff members at Bridgewater Marina. They’re happy to help!

Find a quiet cove with smooth water, if possible.

Be sure the boat captain drives in a safe manor and at speeds appropriate to the ability of the rider.Always have a responsible adult watching riders from the back of the boat. Remember, it takes three to ski!

Final Thoughts on Introducing Kids to SML Water Sports

Teaching your children water sports at Smith Mountain Lake can be a tremendously rewarding experience. Just remember to be patient and provide tons of positive reinforcement.

Once your kids gain confidence and proficiency, it will be easy for them to graduate to skiing, wake surfing or wakeboarding at Smith Mountain Lake. … And your family will be on its way to enjoying fun times together at SML for years to come!

Ryan WatersBridgewater Marina

Read More]]>andiegibson@gmail.com (Ryan Waters)NewsWed, 03 Aug 2016 17:20:28 +0000Want to work at Bridgewater Marina? Download an application!http://bwmarina.com/easyblog/entry/want-to-work-at-bridgewater-marina-download-an-application
http://bwmarina.com/easyblog/entry/want-to-work-at-bridgewater-marina-download-an-applicationInterested in joining the team at Bridgewater Marina?

To apply, download our job application, print, complete and return. Please note, the PDF is not interactive. At this time, we require that you print a hard copy and either drop it off or send to:

Make sure everyone on your vessel is wearing a properly fitting, U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket. Need help choosing? Ask a member of the Bridgewater Marina staff.

Designate a skipper to be alcohol-free.

Turn on navigation lights between sunset and sunrise and during periods of restricted visibility. And remember, personal watercraft (also known as jet skis and Sea-Doos) don’t have lights and can only be operated during daytime hours.

Comply with lake markers and no-wake zones – areas designated by orange and white buoys and anywhere within 50 feet of shore docks and people in the water.

Make sure you have an observer to watch skiers, boarders or tubers who can alert the driver if he or she needs to slow down or stop. Remember, it takes three to ski!

Smith Mountain Lake boating safety BONUS tips!

Unlike on the road, there is no speed limit on the water. However, it’s imperative that boat skippers use common sense and practice safe boating techniques at all times. If you’re unsure about a situation, always throttle down.

It’s never safe to swim or boat alone at Smith Mountain Lake. Always use the buddy system.

Follow these tips and regulations to help ensure your time on Smith Mountain Lake is safe. For more information, tune into the Bridgewater Marina Vimeo Channel.